Objectives/hypothesis: In our study we investigated the radioprotective effect of resveratrol (RES) in a murine model of radiation-induced salivary gland dysfunction.
Study design: Ninety-six Institute of Cancer Research mice were randomly divided into four groups: solvent (group I), RES treated (group II; 20 mg/kg/d), 15 Gy irradiation with solvent treatment (group III), and 15 Gy irradiation with RES treatment (group IV; 15 Gy and 20 mg/kg/d RES). RES (group II and IV) was administered intraperitoneally 3 days prior to irradiation through the conclusion of the experiment.
Methods: Saliva and submandibular gland tissues were obtained for biochemical, morphological, immunohistochemical, and Western blot analyses at 8 hours, 24 hours, and 30 days after localized irradiation.
Results: Radiation caused a reduction of saliva secretion, salivary amylase activity, superoxide dismutase, and an elevation of malondialdehyde. Administration of RES reversed the reduction of saliva secretion induced by irradiation and restored salivary amylase and superoxide dismutase activity. In addition, RES could inhibit increases in transforming growth factor-β1 expression induced by radiation.
Conclusions: RES can protect salivary glands against the negative effects of irradiation and has great potential as a treatment for successful radiotherapy in clinical practice.
Keywords: Resveratrol; antioxidant; ionizing radiation; radioprotection; salivary gland dysfunction.
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